Armed Forces Day in the UK Date in the current year: June 29, 2024
Armed Forces Day in the UK is an annual observance that honors the men and women who serve or used to serve in the British Armed Forces. It is held in late June, typically on the last Saturday of June.The holiday was first celebrated on June 27, 2006 as Veterans' Day. The date of June 27 was selected as it was the day after the anniversary of the first investiture of the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration in the Commonwealth, in 1857. Veterans' Day honored primarily ex servicemen and women.
In 2009, the observance was renamed Armed Forces Day to celebrate the past and present contributions of both those who have served in the British Armed Forces and those who are still on active duty. it is not a public holiday but it still is an official observance.
Every year, a new host town is chosen for the Armed Forces Day celebrations. For example, in 2009 it was Chatham, Kent. In 2010 the holiday was hosted in Cardiff. Armed Forces Day 2011 was hosted in Edinburgh. Plymouth, Nottingham, and Stirling were host cities in the subsequent years.
Of course, Armed Forces Day events are held throughout the country, but the main event is always held in the host city. Celebrations usually include military displays, stage performances, fireworks and other public events. In Northern Ireland, the celebrations are typically criticized by nationalist groups.
Remind me with Google CalendarCategory
- Professional Days, Anniversaries and Memorial Days
Country
- United Kingdom
Tags
- Armed Forces Day in the UK, Veteran's Day, professional observance, British Armed Forces